Your primary care provider usually handles most of your medical needs. It’s a good idea to see them at least once a year if you’re 65 or older, even if you’re healthy. Annual physicals can help your doctor spot medical problems early on, keep an eye on the ones you already have, or ward off other issues down the road. Routine checkups are also a good time to make sure you’re taking the right medications and dietary supplements.

Grab a pen and paper (or your smartphone). Jot down big and little things you’d like to cover. Include physical problems and treatment troubles, along with memory or sleep issues. Tell them about any bowel changes, weight loss, or fatigue; whatever’s on your mind. Put your biggest three or four worries at the top of the list. Just remember that your doctor may not have time to answer every single question. Schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss whatever you don’t get to on the list.

Your primary care doctor needs to know everything you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication, and any vitamins or supplements. Note the dose, time of day you take them, and how often you use them. If you don’t want to write it all down, put everything in a bag to show your doctor.

An extra pair of eyes and ears can help you make sure you don’t miss anything. This person can be anyone you trust: your partner, friend, or a family member. They can help you advocate for yourself, take notes, or ask questions you may not think about. Hiring a geriatric care manager is also an option, but they’re usually not covered by Medicare or private insurance plans.

Everyone’s immune system weakens with age, but vaccines can boost your protection against certain viruses and bacteria. Medicare generally covers the costs of recommended vaccines, including those that protect against serious complications from COVID-19, the flu, RSV, and shingles. Ask your doctor which ones are right for you.

Always wear prescription glasses or hearing aids during your visit. Let the doctor or nurse know if you have trouble seeing or hearing something they go over. Ask the medical staff to speak slowly and clearly so you can better understand them.

A language barrier can get in the way of good medical care for some older adults, but it doesn’t have to. Contact your primary care doctor’s office ahead of time to request a medical interpreter if you think you or your loved one may need support. These health professionals can help you communicate with your doctor or anyone else on your health care team who doesn’t speak your language.

Your primary care doctor will likely be the medical provider at the heart of your health care. Let them know if you feel rushed or dismissed when you see them. It’s important that your doctor takes your concerns seriously. Consider seeing someone else if you and your provider aren’t a good fit. Call your Medicare Advantage plan to find other available providers in your network. Your friends and family may have suggestions, too.

Your primary doctor should check for signs of cognitive decline. These include trouble thinking clearly or remembering big parts of your past. If they notice something during your yearly checkup, you may need to schedule a separate visit to discuss whether you have conditions like dementia, depression, or other mood and memory issues. You may want to tackle this topic early on if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

You may not know if you have weak bones until something breaks, so ask your primary care doctor if you need a Medicare-covered screening for osteoporosis. In general, women should get a bone density test starting at age 65. Most men can wait until around age 70. But you may need to check your bone health at an earlier age if you have certain risk factors for osteoporosis, including long-term steroid use or a parent who’s broken a hip.

Give your doctor details about your lifestyle. Go over what you eat and drink. Tell them how often you exercise, smoke or drink alcohol, and if you’re sexually active. Older adults can still catch sexually transmitted infections. Your health care team isn’t there to judge you. Your primary care doctor needs the facts about your health habits so they can tailor treatment and preventive care to your specific needs.

Everyone should have a plan for how to get help for medical decisions when you can’t make them for yourself. This is called advance care planning, and it’s something you can talk to your primary care doctor about during your yearly wellness visit.

Around 20% of adults 65 and older say they have symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. The good news is primary care doctors can screen you for these conditions during your visit. By law, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans have to share some of the costs of mental health services, including talk therapy and medication. Call your plan to learn details about your coverage and what you’ll need to pay out of pocket.

Almost all adults 65 and older have at least one ongoing health problem such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease. To get complete care, you may need to see more than one kind of doctor. Depending on what type of Medicare Advantage plan you have, you may need a referral from your primary care doctor if you want to see a specialist. Those are doctors or other health professionals who focus on a specific condition or area of medicine.

Are daily activities harder than they used to be? Let your doctor know if you have trouble cooking, bathing, grocery shopping, or moving around in general. Tell them if you’re lonely or don’t socialize as much as you’d like. Health care isn’t just about treating or preventing medical problems. Your primary care doctor can help improve your daily life.